Gordon, Hechavarria keep dazzling on defense

ST. LOUIS -- Dee Gordon is listed at 5-foot-11 in the Marlins' media guide. What the book also should measure is the All-Star second baseman's vertical jump.

In the fourth inning of the Marlins' 6-2 loss on Saturday to the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Gordon defied gravity with an amazing leaping catch to rob Matt Carpenter of an RBI hit.

Gordon's remarkable grab was the latest of a series of standout defensive plays by Miami's middle infielders the past two games. Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria has made his share of terrific plays, like when he started a 6-4-3 double play in the eighth inning on a Mark Reynolds' hot shot or robbed Jhonny Peralta of a hit in the third.

Video: MIA@STL: Hechavarria robs Peralta of a hit

"It is special every night," manager Dan Jennings said. "Both of these kids are truly Gold Glove candidates. We've been spoiled because we see it every night. But when you step back and look at the plays they make -- and the body control and the range that they show, and the ability to get throws off and turn hits into outs -- it's just very special."

Brad Hand was the beneficiary of the standout plays, especially Gordon's leaping grab on Carpenter.

"I thought that was a hit," Hand said. "Even when he was jumping, I thought it was over his head. But he can jump a little bit. So he got to that one.

"Those guys have been amazing all year. One of the best combos in baseball, I think. You just try to get some balls put on the ground and let them make plays behind you. It's fun to watch."